22/08/2025
There has been significant discussion and concern surrounding House Bill 1105. After speaking directly with the Florida Department of Education, the Senate President's Office, the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, our Down Syndrome Partners in Education, and other advocates across the state, we want to provide clarification based on facts, not fear.
Much of the information circulating has caused confusion and unnecessary alarm.
Our members are either receiving a standard diploma or are on access points and will receive a standard diploma through access points. Students who have historically received a certificate of completion are typically those who completed the required instructional hours for graduation but were unable to pass the Algebra 1 and/or 10th grade ELA end-of-course assessments. While Senate Bill 166, which would have eliminated these specific testing requirements, did not pass, it is important to note that students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may request a waiver from these tests. This waiver allows students to remain on track for a standard diploma even if they do not pass the exams.
It is important to emphasize that all students with unique abilities have the opportunity to earn a standard diploma through access points. The strength of the access point system lies in its ability to be modified and individualized to support students across a wide range of academic and functional levels.
Contrary to what has been suggested, the idea that students with unique abilities will no longer be able to pursue employment or post-secondary opportunities is inaccurate.
House Bill 1105 introduces additional pathways and supports to promote student success. The legislation directs the Department of Education to develop a new credentialing program that will provide employer-recognized credentials or badges to students with unique abilities who complete approved work-based learning experiences, such as internships or job placements. These credentials are intended to help students demonstrate job readiness and support access to meaningful employment after graduation.
In addition, the bill allows work experience, internships, and apprenticeships to serve as alternative ways for students to meet graduation requirements. This significantly expands the options available to students, rather than limiting them.
We remain committed to ensuring that students with unique abilities have equitable access to quality education, post-school opportunities, and the tools they need to thrive, and we believe that House Bill 1105, when implemented as intended, represents progress for our community by expanding options far more than it limits them. We will continue advocating to ensure the law is implemented in ways that truly benefit our students and families.
We know this issue impacts many of our families in different ways. If you believe we’ve missed something or if you have specific questions, please share them with us. Your feedback ensures that we can advocate with clarity and accuracy for all of our students.
We also encourage anyone interested or affected by this to read the bill for themselves: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1105/BillText/er/PDF
Important Note: A correction has been made. Senate Bill 166 did not pass, which means the Algebra 1 and 10th grade ELA end-of-course assessments remain graduation requirements at this time. However, students with IEPs may request a waiver of these tests, which allows them to stay on track for a standard diploma.
